V6 Ranch

Ok so I think the v6 ranch is absolutely stunning. It’s seemed great at first but then it all went down hill. My advice is get EVERYTHING in writing. They over promise and then don’t want to deliver. John went as far as blowing up on me over the phone. I was told that I could rent the ranch then they changed their minds. The town is cheaper to rent so I was verifying that when I sent the deposit it would be $ 500.00 cheaper. He exploded. And then had many more expectations that were not even in the deal to begin with. I was not happy and my fiancé was extremely angry. No bride should have to deal with that drama. Please be careful and watch your back. I truly appreciate Jordan as she was the only one that attempted to make things right.

I really love this place, if you like a western themed bar restaurant this is the perfect one, food awesome, grassfed beef burgers and meats are tasty and very healthy, the steak salad is really good but the best of the best for me was the french fries (they come with a bomb sauce and avocado) this is to die for .the decoration is very cool and original, people are so nice that makes you forget you are in California, they truly have southern hospitality, while your there order a 805 beer .
I hope this helps.

I went to the V6 Ranch for a Photography Workshop. We were there for 5 days. It was the best 5 days I’ve ever had on vacation. The 20,000 acre ranch is family owned and operated. I loved the people at the V6 Ranch. They couldn’t have been nicer. All our food was included in the price of our workshop. Our meals were delicious. I wanted to take the cook home with me. Everything was first class. Our rooms were quiet and spotless. Oh, they are extremely honest too. I left behind an $ 800 camera lens and they notified me before I ever even noticed I didn’t bring it home with me. They shipped it out right away and it arrived safe and sound. Also, one of the ladies in our group dropped an earring down the drain in her cabin. John, the owner, took the drain apart and retrieved it for her.
I made a lot a friends at the V6 Ranch and I can’t wait go back. Like their tee shirt says, «V6 Ranch The Cowboy side of California». I gave the V6 Ranch and the people there 5 stars because… Woohoo! It is as good as it gets.

I’ve been coming to the Parkfield Café for lunch for many years. It’s about a 4 hour drive through the scenic Central Valley of California from the Bay Area. The quick way is to come down 101 to San Miguel and cut inland. The far more scenic route parallels 101 on Hwy 25. The additional time is well worth it-​a word about the last few miles of the trip if you take Hwy 25. The last bit of the road into Parkfield is dirt which shouldn’t be a problem unless it’s been wet.
The V6 Ranch has a lot going on that I’d never realized having only come for lunch. I’ll get to that in a moment.
The menu features some of the grass fed beef raised on the ranch. Steaks and hamburger are exceptionally good. French fries are twice cooked and as delicious. You’ll want to go easy on breakfast if you’re planning on lunch. Even a burger is more than a complete meal.
I recently came for an event at the ranch (Muench Workshops Photography course) and had the opportunity to stay at the Parkfield Inn. Rustic and quite comfortable. We were greeted with a light breakfast each morning as well as lunch and dinner-​the family that runs the ranch are incredibly friendly and accommodating. The service was excellent.
They also offered us a horseback tour in addition to the many activities arranged through the workshop.
I plan on continuing lunches (the Café is only open Thursday-​Sunday) and want to look into trying a couple of their other offerings such as the Bluegrass Festival or perhaps attending one of the rodeos held on the premises.

Summary:
A truly awesome experience! Just finished up a cattle drive weekend with the Varian family at the V6 Ranch and I can’t wait to go back. My dad and I are the weekend warrior type, but we’re no stranger to cattle drives. The first time we did the whole cattle drive thing in Wyoming may have been like the first City Slickers, but now you’ll find us loping after yearlings and keeping the herd together like veterans. In the past we ventured to Buffalo, Wyoming for a week long cattle drive experience which gets you a lot of saddle time. Unfortunately, this most recent experience to that ranch was negative enough for us to consider a local option albeit a little more expensive. However, including flight the V6 Ranch was cheaper and shorter, which was better for my dad’s schedule (Thursday — Sunday). Also the benefit of driving is that you can bring a ton of stuff for the car camping portion of the trip and be on your own travel schedule.
Parkfield Café:
The café is one of the first things you’ll see while heading to V6. It’s a quaint, but welcoming environment with a decent menu. Only got a chance to eat here once. This was the place we checked in to and settled our remaining balance for the trip. We had a orientation later that night after a tasty taco dinner buffet.
Family:
The Varian family is warm, welcoming, down-​to-​earth and exudes camaraderie. They all pitch in to help run the operation from patriarch Jack, matriarch Zee, to the smallest grandchild, Kade. John Varian, Jack’s son, greeted us upon arrival at the café. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see him much as he was tending to another group of guests besides our 30. I also got a chance to meet daughter Lily and son Greg who were also very nice. Lily was our camp cook and threw together a mean frittata for breakfast and never disappointed while camping in the mountains. Noemie, Juan, Joanne, Ann, Zach, Rhett, Kade, Sam, little Sage and big Sage were a few of our wranglers and I’m sure we all felt a little safer having them around with all their combined experience. During the last day we were pleasantly surprised with a cutting demonstration from cowgirl Sage.
Cattle Drive:
The cattle drive was just too short, but then again I like to be in the saddle for 6+ hours chasing cattle around all day long. For the normal weekend warrior or beginner rider the saddle time would’ve been perfect with the day ending at camp. Our group was even given shorter or longer options for those who wanted to take it easy or tough it out. By the end of the weekend we ended up gathering about 300 head and then trailing them back to the ranch the finalday. The terrain was very hilly and the horses were obviously in great condition to have climbed up and down those hills repeatedly. The horses were all very well trained on cattle. We had a range of skill levels, but everyone seemed very comfortable and confident with whatever horse they were paired up with.
Team Sorting:
On Friday we were given a lesson on how to work as a team of 3 to cut out cattle of a certain color and separate them. The lesson was so much fun with your peers watching you attempt to be a real cowboy. I’m pretty sure this is something I’ll continue to want to do.
Accommodations:
Basically we were car camping the whole time, but you do have the option the first night to stay in either a bunkhouse or at the lodge across the street from the café, both for a fee. For me one of the nicest treats after a long day of dusty cattle work is a shower which we were able to take at all the campsites. There was hot water and it never seemed to run out. Toilets were opposite the showers and it’s always appreciated when I don’t have to dig a hole in the woods at 6AM.
I found myself saddened at the end of each day riding in to camp because I knew that the end of the drive was that much closer. It’s no secret as to why the V6 cattle drives are always booked up well in advance. In fact there seems to be an inner circle of guests that have returned year after year to relive the experience. A new friend Greg has even convinced my group to possibly go back in a month if we can work out our schedules. Despite the hot and dry weather and 4 hour drive from home, the warm family, well trained horses and delicious camp food more than compensate and add to a truly memorable once in a lifetime experience.
I love this place!
–Chip